Hip Arthritis

Hip arthritis is a condition where the cartilage within the hip joint gradually wears down, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced movement. The hip is a weight-bearing joint, and arthritis can affect everyday activities such as walking, standing, sitting, and sleeping.

The most common type is osteoarthritis, which develops over time, but hip arthritis can also occur following injury, previous hip conditions, or inflammatory joint disorders.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain in the groin, thigh, buttock, or knee
• Stiffness, particularly in the morning or after sitting
• Reduced range of movement in the hip
• Difficulty with walking, climbing stairs, or putting shoes and socks on
• Pain that may worsen with prolonged activity or loading

Physiotherapy management focuses on:

• Reducing pain and improving joint mobility
• Strengthening the muscles around the hip to support the joint
• Improving walking mechanics and functional movement
• Managing activity levels and joint load
• Supporting confidence with daily activities and exercise